Representatives republish controversial water resources bill as godfather asks colleagues to consult with voters
Chairman of the House of Representatives Water Resources Committee, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), urged his colleagues to use the long break to study the new water resources bill.< /p>
Mr. Soli, who raised a point of order during Thursday's plenary, said the bill had been republished in accordance with House instructions and copies would be shared with members.
He assured members that the bill would not be rushed through and that members could take advantage of the long vacation to get voters' views on the legislation.
BackgroundThe bill, which was introduced in the 8th Assembly, sparked outrage as some Nigerians interpreted the bill as a power grab by the federal government.
Prominent Nigerians who opposed it included Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State .
The bill was reintroduced as an executive bill and passed into law in 2020.
However, the decision on the bill was reversed by the House two months after a motion was tabled by Ben Mzondu (PDP, Benue).
Mr. Mzondu criticized the bill's reconsideration process, noting that it was not properly passed.
On June 29, the bill was reintroduced by Mr. Soli, who promised that it was a revised version with input from state governors.
We will not rush to pass the bill
Mr. Soli assured his colleagues that he would not participate in any scheme that would disadvantage any community in Nigeria.
“I just want to let members know now that the bill has been republished. law and I ask my colleagues to please take the time to read this bill and submit it to a third party. You now have time to settle this bill at home during our vacation.
"We will not pass this bill in a hurry. We will give every MP an opportunity to review this bill from clause one to the 154 clauses.
“Honestly, sincerely and I speak on my honor and given the responsibility as Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources. United.”
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Chairman of the House of Representatives Water Resources Committee, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), urged his colleagues to use the long break to study the new water resources bill.< /p>
Mr. Soli, who raised a point of order during Thursday's plenary, said the bill had been republished in accordance with House instructions and copies would be shared with members.
He assured members that the bill would not be rushed through and that members could take advantage of the long vacation to get voters' views on the legislation.
BackgroundThe bill, which was introduced in the 8th Assembly, sparked outrage as some Nigerians interpreted the bill as a power grab by the federal government.
Prominent Nigerians who opposed it included Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State .
The bill was reintroduced as an executive bill and passed into law in 2020.
However, the decision on the bill was reversed by the House two months after a motion was tabled by Ben Mzondu (PDP, Benue).
Mr. Mzondu criticized the bill's reconsideration process, noting that it was not properly passed.
On June 29, the bill was reintroduced by Mr. Soli, who promised that it was a revised version with input from state governors.
We will not rush to pass the bill
Mr. Soli assured his colleagues that he would not participate in any scheme that would disadvantage any community in Nigeria.
“I just want to let members know now that the bill has been republished. law and I ask my colleagues to please take the time to read this bill and submit it to a third party. You now have time to settle this bill at home during our vacation.
"We will not pass this bill in a hurry. We will give every MP an opportunity to review this bill from clause one to the 154 clauses.
“Honestly, sincerely and I speak on my honor and given the responsibility as Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources. United.”
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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